Running in the rain laughing

Friday, October 2

“Rockin’ around the Christmas tree Have a happy holiday Everyone’s trick-or-treating merrily In a new old fashioned way-ay!”

I’ve stumbled into a time warp at Family Dollar’s check-out counter in downtown Beaver, Utah.

The voice of Brenda Lee fills the air with Christmas cheer on this sunny, second day of October. The woman ahead of me places her collection of Halloween trash on the conveyor belt. The cashier rings up her purchases and announces with a smile, “Your total comes to $29.18.” Without a flinch, the woman pays.

“You will get a sentimental feeling when you hear . . . Goblins singing Let’s be jolly, Deck the halls with boughs of holly”

I hurry to the crew waiting in the Perfect Tow Vehicle.

“Hang on, guys. I want to find the dump station for future reference.”

On the north end of Beaver I see the sign.

The dump station is located behind this business.

On the return to camp, I park alongside the road to go online. After checking the blog and writing, I close up the laptop, get out, and snap a photo of this pair.

Bridget, Reggie, and I relax all afternoon at our camp along the Beaver River.

After naps and supper, we head over to Little Cottonwood Campground for the last walk of the day.

The sky has become overcast and the air is cooling fast as the sun dips low. All of a sudden, when we’re at the far end of the campground, a moisture-laden cloud comes over the rocky canyon wall and dumps sheets of rain on us.

“Hurry!” I yell to the crew, a completely unnecessary command because both Bridget and Reggie are already high-tailing it toward the PTV.

What is it about rain pelting one in the face that causes laughter? By the time we reach the PTV, my hair and clothes are soaked, Bridget is drenched, and I have to go to the bathroom. I toss Bridget inside.

Reggie is under the PTV.

“Come out from under there, Reg!” I plead while peering under the PTV, laughing with legs crossed and cold rain hitting the back of my neck. A tug on the tether and he comes to my arms. Inside the PTV, I pull off his soggy green vest.

“Well, look at you. You’re the driest of any of us.”

I turn on the engine and the heater. The rain stops by the time we reach home.

Saturday, October 3

Against my better judgement, we drive into Beaver to do laundry. I bet the place will be packed, it being a Saturday.

To my happy surprise, the place is empty!

Bridget knows that a walk is always included in a visit to a laundromat.

She pitches a fit while the laundry is in the washers, thinking I’ve forgotten this important ritual. As soon as I’ve thrown everything into the dryers, I go outside again and let her and Reggie out of the PTV.

“Gosh, Bridget. You act like you haven’t had a walk in years!” I mock-grumble as I snap her into her black suit.

We walk around the block, passing the old courthouse which is now the Daughters of Utah Pioneers Museum.

Dogs aren’t allowed on the grass. We can see the outside exhibits from the sidewalk.

Imagine hauling your possessions across Utah’s landscape using one of these handcarts!

After the laundry, we make a quick stop at Mike’s Grocery and return to camp.

Sunday, October 4

Rain is in the forecast for the next few days. The mornings are becoming colder. It’s uncomfortably damp inside the Best Little Trailer this morning. I turn on the Wave 3 catalytic heater and the pad glows orange.

“It’ll be warm in here in a minute, punkins.”

Then I hear a click and that’s it.

No more orange glow. No more heat.

Hmm . . . It obviously isn’t the pad being dirty, the usual cause. It lit fine. The propane stopped flowing with that click. Well, it won’t be fixed today and we need heat, what with days turning damp and cold. (Later I find out it needs a new thermocoupler.)

We’d better move camp for electric hook-up!

While I break camp, Bridget and Reggie are snug and warm inside the PTV with the heater going. Before leaving Beaver, I stop at Family Dollar and buy an electric heater for $15.

I smile as we roll across the sage and rabbit brush again, headed for Minersville Lake Campground. Everything works out. There was a reason we scouted out this campground the other day . . . .

We won’t be cold. The campground is lower elevation and the little electric heater will warm up the Best Little Trailer and take out any dampness. I’ll have hot showers and be able to go online. Oh, and there’s a dump station, too. None too soon!

“Great! Hardly anyone here!”

I drop $60 in the iron ranger for three nights and choose a shelter at the end of a row. The crew and I wander around making sure this is the best spot. I take the photo below and then set up our new camp!

rvsue

THANK YOU FOR BEING AN RVSUE SHOPPER!

I appreciate every Amazon order placed through my blog. See a few of the items recently purchased by readers:

If my first comment meant I was first, I feel I am too new here to be that lucky! I laughed with you and your rain shower story. My little Bitsy thinks she will melt if she gets a drop of rain on her! Silly girl.
You really are pushing the thought to get my own little home on wheels and take my dogs and just go. Not yet though, but maybe someday. 🙂 For now, I love reading your stories so much. Thank you for sharing your life with us all!

You’re not “too new to be that lucky”… Newbies are on equal footing with everybody else on my blog. So are wannabes and don’twannas, too! 🙂

The crew is like Bitsy when it comes to rain. Bridget’s fur is so thick that she was dry at the skin, while her outer fur was drenched. Neither of them like that feeling of being pelted. Reggie had a pathetic face on, hiding under the PTV like the sky was falling.

Suzette, Your site is interesting as well. Nice photos in the last couple of posts. What part of TN are you in?
The colors in your quilt are really pretty. I quilt also. I am trying to get my sewing room to the main floor. It is in the bonus room, but it difficult for my hubby to get up there, so I am trying to get him to let me get rid of the weight room and and his electronics that no longer work. I have no earthly idea why he wants to keep that junk. It drive me nuts. Needless to say, that door stays closed.

Sherri,
I just checked out your blog. Congratulations on your weight loss and enjoying a healthier lifestyle. Your quilting in lovely. A lot of sewing projects keeps one from getting bored, but I could not handle all that you have going, not to mention all of the other things you have going on. Happy sewing to you, too.

Nice! Good thing you were able to fix the heater! Our Costco here had Christmas stuff out in AUGUST!!! I asked about it and they said that it sells! Nuts….. Christmas stuff should be coming out after Remembrance Day (Nov 11) in Canada. After Halloween!

Poor Bridget and Reggie looked forlorn in the picture outside the laundromat ( wonder why it isn’t laundrymat?) Bridget should definitely know she gets a walk while laundry is working.
Glad you know the problem with the wave.

That’s the way to keep life simple — instead of decorating, go look at decorations elsewhere. Gee, it’s been ages since I’ve been inside a Michaels Craft Store. I used to buy stuff there for my classroom.

I used to treat most stores as museums–I’d go look at the exhibits but don’t touch! Now I rarely even go into stores–only go if I am after something specific and I think my odds are good of getting it there. Go in, get the item, check out, done. It helps to not be a shopper if you’re going to live in an RV. But, I still get hooked in by some of the things you guys buy in Sue’s links.

Hi Miss Sue, as always you solve the problem with ease! `Whew…..a couple words not for human ears would fly from my mouth……I am loving the blog more and more each time you post one. I love the pics of the day to day stuff you are faced with and the town pics. The landscapes are amazing, you are living a life so many people dream of living. I pray we will be able to stay cool when problems come on the road and that we get to see the countryside like you are doing now. Will the solar and batteries not run a heater, don’t know much about that yet but have been reading allot about it. Give Miss B and Reggie Man a hug for me, have a great week and stay warm!!

Thanks for the blog post, rvsue –
I like your positive attitude. I do believe everything happens for a reason, even though we can’t figure it out. Then, when I get stressed or start to worry, I remember that.
You and the pups sure do have some good times, and you give the blogerinos a good time, too.
I always look forward to your blog and the pictures. Still reading my way through your older blog posts.
Happy Travels to you three.

its always good to have an extra thermocoupler in case
of emergencies……we have a propane stove in the bathroom
that always has to have one changed out every year or so….
its good to see you having a good time in Utah…..
chuck
ps….love the turkeys

I could probably change the thermocoupler myself. I’m awfully skittish around propane. I know… all I have to do is turn off the valve. Even so, it makes me nervous. I’m the same way around anything electrical.

Hi Renee! I’ve been following RVSue’s blog for some time now and commented 1st just last Friday! My strategy was wash a dish, look at the screen, wash a dish, look… then when she posted my hands were wet! I made it and got a CONGRATULATIONS! from Sue! Felt like an autograph! lol! I do adore this blog and feel the competition is to show Sue how loyal and loving we feel for her and the crew and demonstrate how much we look forward to her posts.

Good morning, Chey… I scrolled down the comments to find the ones I didn’t see yesterday which made yours one of the first I read this morning. You touched me with the love in your last sentence. What a great start for my day!

Really love that shot of your boondock, the way you have it framed makes it look pretty perfect. Too bad a techno glitch made you leave early, but it sounds like a bit of a drop in elevation had it’s advantages.

I just pray for the day when you can post a picture of a western reservoir full to the brim. Hopefully someday soon, but part of me fears otherwise. As always take care, squeeze dat crew and thank them just for being them. Than when your done do the same for yourself.

Hi Sue,
Had me laughing out loud. I’ve been procrastinating a little, but right now waiting for reinforcement yarn for heels and toes that one of my sisters is sending from Germany. So your socks should be done soon. The next time you have to wait for mail somewhere, you might want to give me the General Delivery address, so I can send them. Winter is coming, and you want to keep those toes toasty!
Cheers,
Ilse

Happy Birthday Susan!!! I hope you have a great day and celebrate with some cake and of course, ice cream!!! Here is a little trivia for you blogarinos, Susan was born in Bennington Vermont. She has come a long way, hasn’t she?

Hmmm…I double clicked the enter button and my remarks posted before I was through! Anyway….
I enjoyed the pictures as usual. Is that snow on those mountains. Sounds like you had better start “heading south for the winter”
I love you, Susan.
Sending Lots of Love and Big Hugs

I’m going to make a leap of faith and take my cue from those who are “old-timers” and say HAPPY BIRTHDAY! I hope your day is exactly what you want it to be.

And on to mundane stuff….I have no idea what a thermocoupler is. I’m excited to learn more about this (obviously) very important device. You are doing such a great thing for all us Lurkers and Learners.

I am putting tiny little postits on my Benchmark maps with tiny little bits of info about places you report on. Next to Minersville Lake Campgroud, I added “expensive!” Now it will be interesting to add tidbits as to its suitability.

Thanks for the birthday wish, Suzette. I’m happy to count you among my cyber-friends.

What is a thermocoupler? I have two answers for that.

The first one is mine: “It’s the thingy that controls the propane. “– RVSue

The second answer came off the internet: “When used as a control device in a gas appliance, the thermocouple is mounted so that its measuring junction is heated by a pilot light. The electric current generated is sent through an electromagnet. As long as the current flows, the electromagnet holds open a valve that allows gas to reach the appliance. If the pilot light goes out, the measuring junction cools off, no current flows, and the electromagnet releases the valve, shutting off the gas.”– Person who knows stuff

Okay, about Minersville Lake Campground and your postit note… This campground is not as “expensive” for the first night as it looks at first glance.

Take the $20 camping fee and subtract the local cost for a dump station ($7), also the cost for propane not used for heat, hot water, refrigerator, etc. and the camping fee is less than $13 for the first night. Of course, you can’t deduct the $7 on subsequent nights. 🙂

I love the picture in my mind of you reading my blog and putting postits on your Benchmark. I’ve converted you! Ha!

You probably got this from Sue’s post, but in essence, the thermocouple is a safety device. Without it, if the flame (burner) blew out, the gas could continue to flow. Dangerous! With it, a lack of heat (flame) makes it so the gas cuts off. That’s safer.

But sometimes the thermocouple itself goes bad. Then you have no gas for the “wrong reason.” So the appliance doesn’t work until you put in a new one. But it’s a good safety device, so it’s worth the occasional “unnecessary” issue.

I love your reasoning… it all makes sense with your explanation and camping fees.
After driving thru some wonderful country today I’m yet still happy to camp. John Denver playing on the ipod while setting up camping. as he said Thank God I’m a Country Boy/Girl!
We have such a wonderful life.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SUE! Enjoy this day and the shopping that I plan to do on Amazon as my birthday present to you. I have been out of town, but made it back in time for your Birthday wish…I wish you many years of safe and healthy travel with your crew.

I hope you have a happy birthday, Geri, at the end of this month on whatever day you told me was your birthday and I’ve already forgotten. Good heavens! I’m terrible! Anyway, HAPPY BIRTHDAY FROM ME, BRIDGE, AND THE REGGIE MAN! HAHA!

How exciting – Happy Birthday to my fellow October baby! Mine is tomorrow, and this is the BIG 5 OH that prompted my Casita order. She doesn’t arrive for another 3.5 weeks, but I am celebrating with some driveway work tomorrow in anticipation of having a nice easy parking spot that is always ready to tow and go. Can’t wait, especially seeing the wonderful boondock photo in this post – coming home to your BLT in nature with the internet antenna eagerly signaling “over here Sue!”…

Missy!!! Your Birthday!!! I hope this day is very special for ya!!! I guess with internet you will be able to share more with us! The secret of little Reggie staying drier than you and Bridget is simple, he’s a much smaller target for those raindrops to hit. Now back to the birthday thing. This post was dated Oct. 2nd, if that’s your birthday, it’s the same as mine. Mine was 10/2 also but earlier……..1936. Be safe!!

Hi Rv Sue,
I can’t really compete with all the neat birthday wishes you got so a simple Happy Birthday from me will have to suffice. I still love your blog and learn from it always!
Take care and be safe!
Terri
p.s. Yes, we had a high of 97 2 days ago. I have told spouse that when he retires, we are leaving for at least 5 months of the year for cooler climes!

Great question, Barbara. I was going to include the answer in this post and I forgot. I found that dump station by asking a local at a gas station when I went in to buy a cup of coffee. She also told me where the laundromat is (behind NAPA which is on the main street.)

Apps are great, websites are great — asking a local person can be more interesting!

Ok Blogarinos, All together now. “HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU, HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU, HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEAR RV SUE, HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU…..!!!!!!” Sorry we were a little off key but at least it was loud! I havent commented in quite a while but I’m still here following along on all your adventures. I really enjoy your blog and i’m Looking forward to your winter episodes. Best Wishes. Scott

Thank you, FloridaScott, for taking the time to write me a happy message for my birthday. Just those words “I really enjoy your blog” are enough to make me smile… It’s good to know you are still riding along with me and the crew.

Ha!What a perfect kind of birthday party for you this one is,Sue.The only type either of us can stand.Rather than endure the typical social occasion you open your laptop and folks show up from a distance to celebrate with you.I know you are enjoying it and I’m so happy for you .

Like many that commented today in my exuberance about your special day I failed to mention this post.The miniature horse was a real treat to see,what a wee beauty!The photo above “We won’t be cold…” is just a great shot.I love when the sun reaches and highlights small scenes in a vast landscape that way.It’s wonderful to lose heat and be blessed with the means to so easily avoid our loved ones and ourselves suffering the cold because of that.I know how careful you are to keep the crew warm enough,I’m happy that you were and are 🙂

This is “a perfect kind of birthday party” for me. . . . camped in a lovely, natural setting with my two pals and a few hundred friends online, including you! 🙂

That miniature horse… pregnant maybe?

The blessing you mention in your last paragraph reminds me of something I felt as I drove away from Family Dollar with my home-on-wheels following. We needed heat. I went to the store and bought a heater for $15. Simple as that. Most of my life I would’ve agonized over a fifteen dollar purchase, money always being tight. What a blessing to be able to solve a problem this easily and painlessly and a joy to take good care of my two little ones.

I am so happy you are having a good day and treated yourself to cake with your two favorite travel companions. I just purchased 2 Mongolian faux fur pillows on Amazon for my RV that I take ownership of on Saturday. I have been waiting for your birthday to make that purchase so I could celebrate with you with a little help to the cost of the little heater…lol. Enjoy your evening being warm and cozy. That reminds me, I have a little electric heater than looks like a fireplace that I am moving into my RV with me…nice for cold nights and a little nice comfy atmosphere. Hug the pups close and keep warm.

Reality hits when you take a big chunk of money out to pay for it huh…Going to bank after work, nobody follow me okay? I will try to sleep well, but probably not. I will keep you informed on how decorating and things are going…whoopee. Imagine, me and Weather on the road? Her from one end and me from the other…what a hoot.

T@B &tent room, your long palace on wheels,jeep,t-bird,lounging area for all -we’ll need at least two big sites.Aside from the obvious places on both coasts,it would be fun to pick a spot or few in the middle,have you had huevos rancheros in southern Texas yet?

That sounds fun, Shirlene. Whenever I’ve known I was getting a new (to me) apartment, cabin, RV or etc. – but then there was some time delay before moving in – I’ve found it so hard to also delay nest feathering. But now you’re so close! I hope you are placing those two pillows in just the right homey arrangement as soon as possible 🙂

About your feeling that on the drive away,the times you,and I, had when money was so tight is exactly what I was thinking about when I read your post and commented about the blessing -gratitude for being able to splurge for heat makes home feel warmer and a sugary cake sweeter 🙂

A thermal conductor on the Wave # 3 ? I wonder how long did you have the wave 3, so I can plan on getting ready for a new stove ’bout that time,,,,,,,,, Oh yeah it’s supposed to get down in the hi 70s here on the north end of L.H.C. by Sun, th’ 18th,,,, EL NIYO is a commin’ this year and California land will be happy to be out of the nasty Drought,,, By 2020 A D,, some parts of the good ol’ US of A will have real short summers and some places wont even have a summer,,, I read online that that the Earth is Coolin’ down, it dose a change every 100 years and they’ll say Global warming’ did it,,,,,,, RIIIIGGHHT…

Always good to hear from you! I hope you don’t mind me toning down the politics in your comment. I don’t want that type of discussion to take off here… 🙂

It sounds like you’re in for some beautiful weather at your Lake Havasu City boondock. Oh, about my Wave 3 heater… I bought it in November 2011. A new thermocoupler and I hope for it to last many more years.

No problem on tonein’ me down Sue, soorrryy, I was jus venting,,,,,, BTW, HAPPY BIRTH DAY,,,,,,,,,, I need to mark my calendar ,,,,, Did you have someone put it in, the thermal conductor I mean on your Wave 3 or did you do it yourself? ,,,,,,,, It’s been a bit warm, 100- 106 with almost 90 nights, the Endless Breeze Fan you gave me has been running till 5 am with another 12 volt osqislateing fan to keep us cool, it’s hard to sleep at night,, But soon it’ll be COOLIN’ down and L.P. will love it,,,,,,,,,,,, ran into some folks with 2 rat teriers and L.P. played with them, she cried to go see them,,, the owners said she’s a sweet lookin’ pup even at her height of 2 foot at her shoulders,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

As usual your blog is very informative…Several years back, on our last rig, the propane fridge stopped working on propane, and wouldn’t you know, it was the thermocouple. Now I understand its purpose, and it is a great safety feature, especially if you run the fridge on propane while driving, which might blow the pilot out. I can see that it might be worthwhile to carry a spare. Even if you have a technician put it in, you would have the right part and might save yourself some time.

Your blog never fails to be interesting, and informative. Many thanks for keeping up the great posts!

That’s a good idea, CC. A thermocouple is small and not too expensive, so easy to purchase and store.

I’ve done what you suggest with a variety of parts over the years. As you say, even on ones I can’t install myself, I can hand them to someone who can. In general it can be a bit tacky to “bring your own parts,” but with obscure parts/obscure locations I have found people understand. Most shops don’t really want you waiting around for days while they try to find something, rather than being able to send you on your way sooner. Presuming things go well, I try to leave a small tip to make up for any lost parts profit.

And too, it’s surprising what one can do one’s self, if motivated to do so (I say this totally getting that oftentimes it’s nice or necessary to have someone else do things).

Yes, you have to keep the desire to have parts on hand in perspective. When I was bookkeeping for a body shop a customer wanted to bring his own parts for us to install–the owner ask him if people bring their own hamburger to his restaurant. 🙂

Happy Birthday Sue. Hope you have had exactly the kind of day you enjoy.???.
We are off tomorrow to the Cranberry Festival….last outing with the trailer before winterizing. 61 today, yet calling for snow flurries for the weekend. I feel such joy being able to go anywhere so I’ll take whatever weather comes along. My mom has been in long term care for five months already. Getting my freedom at age 69 and it feels wonderful.
Safe travels…

Your paragraph is so joyful! I can’t tell you how happy I am for you to have this freedom and the knowledge and gumption to enjoy it fully! Have a wonderful day at the Cranberry Festival tomorrow, Val!

Oh yes, I wanted to mention that hand cart. It is amazing to me how people bravely went forward and carved out a life for themselves in what was a great wilderness. Some of them leaving their families behind forever.

Yes, I’ve enjoyed this day very much. I’d love to tell you where we went. It’ll have to wait until I catch up the blog. I’ll try to work on it tonight if I don’t become too sleepy. Good night to you and Gracie pup!

Happy Birthday! Took me a long time to read all the greetings! May I ask? What kind of cake did you get? I always ask for Boston Crème or Lemon! Your ventures and photos are so much fun for all of us out here in the real world. I still dream to do your dream but with 75 around the corner, it stays a dream! Hope you had a wonderful day–waiting for the next blog ! (No pressure)!!!

Thank you for the birthday greeting. I’m almost finished with the next post which will feature The Birthday Cake.

I hope you are able to consider a modified dream… You don’t have to go “whole hog” in order to be out in nature. That may not be possible for you. I don’t know. At any rate, it’s my pleasure to share our travels and experiences with you!

Ya know I liked Shirlene’s idea so much it sent me over to my Amazon wish list. I don’t want or need much but in honor of Sue’s birthday I ordered a fire proof lock box that someday will ride in my dream rig protecting insurance papers, passport and other important stuff. Happy Birthday Sue.

But I want you to know that no mere physical token can be thanks enough for the continued inspiration that you provide to me and others. This magical place that you have created helps me keep my dream alive and visualized on a ongoing basis. That means more to me than I can put into words.

Having said that I also noticed that the Caravan Sports Zero Gravity Chair is currently 34% off on Amazon. Now this chair is the official lounging throne of the Boondocking Queen herself and it can be yours for the low low price of just $34.87. Get yours today!!! 🙂 (Sue if you could clean up the link with one of yours that would be great.)